Des Moines, the pioneer of municipal progress and reform of the middle West, together with the history of Polk County, Iowa, the largest, most populous and most prosperous county in the state of Iowa; Volume II, Part 19

Author: Brigham, Johnson, 1846-1936; Clarke (S.J.) Publishing Company, Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 1464

USA > Iowa > Polk County > Des Moines > Des Moines, the pioneer of municipal progress and reform of the middle West, together with the history of Polk County, Iowa, the largest, most populous and most prosperous county in the state of Iowa; Volume II > Part 19

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On the 18th of June, 1879, Mr. Wright was married to Miss Nellie Elliott, a daughter of John A. Elliott, who was auditor of the state for many years and president of the State Insurance Company at the time of his death. Their only child, Carroll. Wright, Jr., is now fifteen years of age.

Mr. Wright is a member of the Golf and Country Club of Des Moines, the Des Moines Club, the Prairie Club and the Grant Club. The last named in- dicates his position as a supporter of the republican party. Few men who have no ambition for office are more thoroughly conversant with the vital and sig- nificant political questions of the day and his opinions when asked are expressed with a clearness and cogency which indicates the well trained mind of the law- yer. The only office that he has ever held outside the direct path of business is that of a member of the board of regents of the State University from 1887 until 1890 and again from 1896 until 1909. It has been said that the most difficult place that a man can occupy is to be the son of a distinguished father, for his career is always judged in comparison with that with which the public is already familiar and has come to esteem and honor. Meeting the conditions of the times in which the tendency is strongly toward specialization, Carroll Wright has given his attention to corporation and more particularly to railroad law and his course has added to the luster of an honorable and honored name.

EMMETT A. IRWIN.

In a review of the progressive citizens of Polk county the name of Emmett A. Irwin should not be omitted. He is the owner of a beautiful farm of two hundred acres and is recognized as one of the substantial citizens of this sec- tion. He was born in Adel, Iowa, July 5, 1850, a son of Robert Y. and Angelina A. (Alexander) Irwin, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Ohio. They came to Iowa in 1850 and took up their home at Adel, where the father, who was educated as a physician, engaged in practice for two years. He then went to Huntington, Indiana, and entered the plow business, also engaging in the practice of medicine for twelve years. In 1866 he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Kankakee county, Illinois, which he culti- vated for three years and then disposed of, coming to Redfield, Iowa, where he lived during the following winter. At length he found a permanent home in Polk county, where he purchased eighty acres which he brought to a high state of improvement. Here he lived until his death, which occurred in 1881, when he was fifty-nine years of age. The mother departed this life in August, 1877, at the age of forty-eight years.

Emmett A. Irwin received his education in the public schools and remained at home until after reaching the age of manhood, assisting his father in work upon the farm. In 1879 he bought eighty acres which he improved and dis- posed of in 1886, at an advanced price. He then bought the old home place, which was endeared to him by many associations, and has since purchased addi- tional land until he now owns a well improved farm in Walnut township of two hundred acres, which is provided with some of the most substantial buildings in this section. He has also set out a beautiful orchard and everything about the place indicates most intelligent and thoughtful care on the part of its owner. In addition to his agricultural interests he is the owner of valuable city property in Des Moines.

In 1879 Mr. Irwin was united in marriage to Miss Alfaretta Shaw, who was called away five years later, and on June 18, 1891, he was again married, the lady of his choice being Miss Nellie A. Youtz, daughter of Hiram L., and Carrie (Preston) Youtz. The father was born in Pennsylvania and the mother in Indiana. They came to Iowa in 1856 and he farmed for six years in Carroll

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county, at the end of which time he purchased eighty acres in Polk county. As opportunity offered he bought more land and is now the owner of two hundred and eighty acres. Since 1893 he has made his home at No. 5400 Grand avenue, Des Moines, where he and his wife are now enjoying in comfort and plenty the results of many years of toil. Mr. and Mrs. Irwin are the parents of four children, namely: E. Harold, who was born in October, 1892, and is now a student of the high school at Valley Junction; Bernard F., born July 8, 1897; Gladys M., born November 15, 1898; and Robert Y., who was born July 27, 1905.

Politically Mr. Irwin is a stanch supporter of the republican party. He has never sought the emoluments of public office but served for several years as road supervisor, declining positions of larger responsibility, as he preferred to devote his attention to his private affairs. He and his family are affiliated with the Methodist church and are active workers in its behalf. Mr. Irwin ranks as one of the influential men in the county and possesses in an unusual degree the confidence of all with whom he comes into contact. He has from the be- ginning of his active career been industrious, energetic and thoroughly capable. Being a man of generous and kindly instincts he deserves the respect in which he is held by his fellowmen.

JOHN J. VAN OEL.

John J. Van Oel, the founder and promoter of an important industrial enter- prise conducted under the name of the Des Moines Cabinet Company, was born in Delph, Holland, February 24, 1860. His father, John J. Van Oel, also a native of Holland, was born in December, 1824, and died in that country in 1902. He was a ship chandler and conducted business at the ports where vessels from all parts of the world docked. He had a large warehouse and sold supplies of all kinds such as are used on shipboard, especially those things which are needed on long voyages. He remained in that business up to the time of his death. His wife, who bore the maiden name of De Koba Grunen- felt, and who was born on the 12th of February, 1824, died in Holland in 1904. It is a matter of interest to know that the paternal grandfather of John J. Van Oel was John D. Van Oel, one of the soldiers in the battle of Waterloo, serving with the forces under Wellington in that memorable engagement which marked the downfall of Napoleon. He afterward sought seclusion from secular life and entered the ministry, preaching the gospel up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1870, when he had reached a very advanced age.

John J. Van Oel was educated at Delph in a country school, and after his school days ended was apprenticed to learn the cabinet-maker's trade. For three years he worked without compensation and was afterward employed by a number of firms in Holland until 1883, when he came to America, making his way direct to Des Moines. Here he began work at his trade, being first employed by The Harbeck Planing Mills Company and later by Getchell & Martin. Fifteen years were passed in the employ of the latter company and promotion from time to time ultimately brought him to the position of super- intendent. In 1890 he incorporated the Des Moines Cabinet Company, starting on a small scale but increasing his business by means of his straightforward dealing, his enterprise and the excellent workmanship done in the shops, until his patronage has grown and expanded and he now has a very important indus- trial concern of the city.

In October, 1885, Mr. Van Oel was united in marriage to Miss V. M. Warren, and they became the parents of four children. William, born April 26, 1886, is now in business with his father, under whom he learned the cah- inet-maker's trade and now has charge of the shop as foreman. He married

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Miss Ella Metz, and they have three children, Lind, George and Warren. Colin, born October 25, 1888, is a student in Drake University. Nettie, born June 18, 1890, is now assisting her father in the office. Annie, born September 22, 1896, is a pupil in the high school.

In his political views Mr. Van Oel is a republican and in religious faith is a Methodist. He finds his chief recreation in motoring, having a fine automo- bile, in which he takes long trips whenever the opportunity presents. He has faith in the future of Des Moines and has acquired some valuable real estate in this city. He is thoroughly in sympathy with the spirit which is working for greater and better things for the capital, and gives his aid and cooperation to all movements for the general good.

CHARLES HENRY GETCHELL.

Scarcely a name can be suggested that has been more closely connected with the growth of Des Moines than that of Charles Henry Getchell, now deceased. For nearly forty years he was engaged in lumber and other lines of business in this city, gaining recognition as one of the most public-spirited citizens. The ex- tent and value of his unselfish work, however, will never be known, as he was a man of modest disposition and literally obeyed the scriptural injunction "let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth." He was born at North Anson, Maine, March 22, 1841, a son of H. F. and Frances A. (Burr) Getchell. The father belonged to a well-to-do family of the New England states. He came to Des Moines in 1861 and for a number of years was identified with the lumber business. Five children of Mr. and Mrs. Getchell grew to maturity : Charles Henry, the subject of this review; Mrs. George Tichenor, of New York; Fred, who died some years ago at Oakland, California; Mrs. Helen Kimball, of New York, and Edwin F., of Chicago.

Charles Henry Getchell received his education in the public schools of the Pine Tree state. His father's friend, Mr. Bodfish was the owner of a line of deep water freight vessels and as a boy Charles made a voyage on a sailing boat. His experiences at sea covered a period of about two years but, having finally decided not to adopt a seafaring life, he came with other members of the family to Des Moines and entered the lumber business with George Tichenor under the title of Getchell & Tichenor, the location of the yards being at Seventh and Lo- cust streets, then well out upon the edge of the town.

The spirit of adventure was still dominant in the young man and accordingly. in 1862, with Edward Mitchell and Lyman P. Munger he started for Montana upon a gold prospecting expedition. In later years he related many stories of the trials, privations and dangers of the pioneer days spent in a lawless country where human life was held lightly. Salt Lake City was the nearest assay office and the prospectors were compelled to make periodical trips to that place to dispose of their gold dust. The journey required several weeks to complete, and not infrequently persons would leave the camp for Salt Lake City and never be seen again. The suspicion of the miners being aroused, Mr. Getchell and others determined to discover the secret surrounding the disappearance of their companions. As the result of a thorough investigation a ranch owner, who conducted a halfway house, was arrested and with the hangman's noose about his neck he confessed to many crimes and directed the party to a spot behind the ranch buildings where the charred remains of many unfortunate travelers were found. A vigilance committee promptly put an end to this career of law- lessness.

Mr. Getchell returned to Des Moines about 1865 and, with his father and brothers, reentered the lumber business under the title of H. F. Getchell & Sons. :

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The firm branched out rapidly and established almost the first line of yards in the state. The Getchells also maintained their wholesale yard in Chicago. Mr. Getchell did not devote his entire attention to the lumber business, as he was interested in a number of substantial Des Moines concerns, being one of the organizers of the Des Moines National Bank and for many years vice president and director. He was president of the Getchell & Martin Lumber & Manufac- turing Company, and was interested in business enterprises with many of the old settlers. He was a factor in bringing the North Western Railroad to Des Moines, and was an officer and director of the Narrow Gauge Railway Company, which was later sold to the North Western Company.

In 1867 he was united in marriage to Miss Rachel E. Ankeney, of Xenia, Ohio, and of their five children three are now living: Mrs. E. S. Van Gordo- cf Audubon, Iowa ; and Mrs. Rachel Rollins and John A., both of Des Moines. Henry Frank died November. 1908, and Mrs. Frank S. Jacquith died twelve years ago. The original home of the family was at the corner of Ninth and Locust streets, which was the site of a brick schoolhouse, one of the first in the county. In 1884 the family took up its residence at Thirty-fifth and Grand avenue, con- tinuing there until the house was destroyed by fire in 1902.

Mr. Getchell never sought the honors of public office, although he took the interest of a patriotic citizen in public affairs. In company with C. A. Dudley he founded the Des Moines Public Library and was a member of its first board of managers. He was one of the promoters of the old Exposition building in the carly '70s on the spot where the Iliad now stands. He was never a member of clubs or secret societies, preferring above all else the peaceful atmosphere of his own home. He was identified with the Plymouth Congregational church and was a liberal contributor to its support. For many years he took a lively in- terest in kindergarten work and before the system was attached to the public schools he built a cottage in the rear of his residence for the use of Mrs. Lucy B. Collins, one of the pioneer kindergartners of the state.

This generous-spirited man and worthy citizen was called from earthly scenes January 25, 1903, after suffering for many years from diabetes, which the physicians found at last to be incurable. His remains were deposited in their last resting place at Woodland cemetery and an appropriate monument now marks the spot. Mr. Getchell was a man of large business capacity, sturdy character and unsullied integrity. Modest in demeanor, he could yet use great decision when necessary, and he seldom formulated plans of importance which he did not carry to a successful conclusion. To his family he was a devoted husband and father. and as a friend he was ever kind, generous and true.

R. M. MOUNT.

R. M. Mount, senior member of the firm of Mount & Gilmore, abstracters and attorneys of Des Moines, was born in Knox county, Illinois, November 21. 1851. His father. William Mount, a native of Ohio, removed to Illinois in 1850 and followed the occupation of farming in Knox county, where he continued his residence up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1902. In early man- hood he wedded Miss Mary E. Mahon, a native of Virginia, who died in 1900.

R. M. Mount pursued his education in the public schools of Knox county and in Abingdon College, of Abingdon, Illinois. Deciding to make the practice of law his life work he then began studying in preparation for the bar at Gales- burg, Illinois. and was admitted to practice in 1880, upon successfully passing the required examination. He located for practice at Corning, Iowa, where he remained for two years, and in March, 1883, came to Des Moines. Here he formed a partnership under the firm name of Mount & Pease, which continued

R. M. MOUNT

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until 1888, after which Mr. Mount practiced alone for seventeen years, or until 1905, when the firm of Mount & Gilmore was formed and has since existed. On coming to Des Moines Mr. Mount not only engaged in the practice of law, but also turned his attention to the abstract business, which he has followed, and the members of the firm are now successful. and prominent as abstracters and attorneys, being accorded a liberal clientage in both lines.

In 1872, in Knoxville, Illinois, Mr. Mount was united in marriage to Miss Melissa J. Burner, a native of Knox county, born in 1855, and a daughter of Daniel G. Burner, an old and respected resident of Knox county. He was reared in the same part of the state as Abraham Lincoln and they were life- long acquaintances and friends. His wife bore the maiden name of Melissa Gunn. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mount have been born three children: Nellie, now the wife of M. T. Gilmore; E. B., an attorney, practicing at Thompson, Iowa ; and Ila.

The family hold membership in Plymouth Congregational church, in which Mr. Mount also serves as deacon. He gives his political support to the repub- lican party, and is interested in all matters pertaining to progressive citizenship and to the welfare and upbuilding of the community, with which he has been continuously identified for more than twenty-seven years. He has made for himself a creditable position in professional circles, while among those whom he has met socially he has gained many warm friends.

ELLIS G. LINN, M. D.

Dr. Ellis G. Linn, one of the leading specialists of Des Moines, enjoys a very satisfactory practice as an ophthalmologist, otologist and laryngologist. He was born January 5, 1863, in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, a son of Andrew L. and Ruth Ann (Baily) Linn. They were married in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, in 1852, and came to Iowa in 1865. The father was of English lineage and the mother belonged to one of the old Quaker families of the Keystone state. For many years Andrew L. Linn remained a resident of Iowa but moved to Dakota in 1884, where he passed away in December, 1908.

Ellis G. Linn was but two years of age when his parents came to the middle west, establishing their home in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, where he pursued his education in the public schools. After teaching for some years he determined to engage in the practice of medicine as a life work and to this end entered the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago from which he was graduated with the class of 1889. After he had completed his medical course he located in Mount Pleasant, continuing in general practice in partnership with Dr. G. E. Smith until 1904, when he determined to specialize in the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. Two years were given to careful and com- prehensive study in that specialty in Chicago, Vienna and London, and he then opened an office in Des Moines, where he has since 1906 concentrated his energies upon his specialty, in which he has won a very gratifying practice, his skill and ability in this field being widely recognized. He is known in financial circles as a director of the Commercial Savings Bank.

On the 30th of August. 1888, at Trenton, Iowa, Dr. Linn was united in marriage to Miss Clara Agnes Smith, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Smith, pioneers of Henry county. Mrs. Linn has a large circle of friends and is favorably known in church and social circles. Their children are: Earl Smith, born at Mount Pleasant, March 9, 1890; and Elbert Ellis, born at Mount Pleasant, March 15, 1898.

The family attend the Methodist church, of which all are members. Dr. Linn belongs to a number of medical societies and to various branches of

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Masonry, of which he is a past worshipful master and a past eminent com- mander of Knights Templar. He belongs to the Golf and Country Club and also to the Grant Club, which is an indication of his political views for he has ever been a stalwart advocate of republican principles since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is a strong and purposeful man, ready at all times to meet the urgency of the hour because of his broad knowledge and wide experience, and not only in professional connections but also as a citizen and in social circles he is accorded a prominent and enviable position.

WILLIAM LEWIS READ.

William Lewis Read who, in the field of general practice, has a business un- surpassed in extent and importance by that of any lawyer in Iowa, was born at Short Creek, in Harrison county, Ohio, May 15, 1851. His father, Ambrose Read, was a native of Guernsey county, Ohio, and was of English descent, the first representatives of the family in America settling in eastern Maryland in early colonial days. He married Miss Mary Ann Lewis, a native of Harrison county, Ohio. Her ancestors were from Wales and settled in Virginia in early colonial days. They were members of the society of Friends or Quakers and she became a birthright member of that society.

Spending his youthful days in his parents home, William Lewis Read pur- sued his early education in the village schools of Hopedale, Ohio, and following the removal of the family. to Iowa in 1861 he attended the country schools of Scott and Polk counties and later the East Des Moines high school and the Iowa State University. His legal education was obtained in the law department of the university, from which he was graduated with the LL. B. degree in 1875. In the meantime he aided in the improvement and operation of the home farm but thinking to find a professional career more congenial, he turned his attention to the practice of law and since his graduation has been a member of the legal fraternity of Des Moines, locating in the capital city in April, 1876. Ten years later he was joined by his brother, John M. Read, in a partnership under the firm name of Read & Read and since 1907 his son, Ralph L. Read, has also been a member of the firm. He has not specialized in any particular branch of the law to the exclusion of other branches but has continued in general practice and has been very successful. He has been connected with many important cases in the conduct and trial of which he has proven his ability, his analytical power and his force and logic in argument. His name now figures prominently in financial circles for he is a director of the Capital City State Bank, has for years been a director of the Des Moines Fire Insurance Company, of the Capital Insurance Company and of the Merchants & Bankers Insurance Company.

On the 25th of September, 1882, Mr. Read was united in marriage to Miss Juliet E. McMurray and they have one son, Ralph L. Read, and a daughter, Helen Read. The son married Catherine Kurtz and has a son, William Lewis Read, who was born September 28, 1907.

When age conferred upon Mr. Read the right of franchise he gave his po- litical support to the republican party, advocating its principles until 1872, when he supported Horace Greeley. He afterward voted with the greenback party and is now a democrat but has never been a partisan. His changes in political allegiance indicate the fearlessness with which he has ever espoused a cause in which he believes. He is a prominent Scottish Rite Mason of the thirty- third degree and belongs to Za-Ga-Zig Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He also holds membership with the Knights of Pythias, the Des Moines Club and the University Club, while his religious faith is that of. the Unitarian church. He has ever been a man of broad liberal views, never looking at life from a narrow

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or contracted standpoint, and his progressive spirit is manifest in every phase of his business, political and social activity. His time and energies have been chiefly concentrated upon his professional duties and his devotion to his clients' interests is proverbial. His pronounced ability is indicated in the extensive clientage that has been accorded him and in many notable victories which he has won in the courts.

JOHN F. KLINE.

John F. Kline, one of the leading agriculturists and well known residents of Allen township, was born in that township on the 6th of October, 1871. His father, Jacob Kline, whose birth occurred in Pennsylvania on the 20th of Au- gust, 1844, is a son of John Kline, a native of Germany. Jacob Kline came to Iowa in the spring of 1859 and has resided here continuously since, now own- ing and operating a farm of sixty acres on section 31, Allen township, Polk county. In early manhood he wedded Miss Regina Rothfus, a native of Ger -. nany and a daughter of Gottlob Rothfus. She passed away on the 17th of March, 1890, but is still survived by her brother John, who is now a resident of Bighorn, Montana. By her marriage to Jacob Kline she had five children the record of whom is as follows: John F., of this review ; Lewis, who wedded Miss Elsie Griffee, and resides in Des Moines; Albert, who is deceased; Fred- erick, who lives in Spokane, Washington; and Anna R., who is the wife of Earl Kennedy and makes her home in Warren county, Iowa. Jacob Kline gives his political allegiance to the democracy and has held all of the township offices. The period of his residence in Polk county now covers more than a half cen- tury and he enjoys a wide and favorable acquaintance within its borders.

John F. Kline, whose name introduces this review, has followed farming throughout his entire business career with excellent results. He resides on a fine farm of eighty acres on section 33, Allen township, and also owns a quarter section of land in Allen township, Warren county. In connection with the tilling of the soil he devotes considerable attention to the raising of stock, making a specialty of Poland China hogs. All of the buildings on his property, including a residence, barns and other outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, are substantial and up-to-date.

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Des Moines, the pioneer of municipal progress and reform of the middle West, together with the history of Polk County, Iowa, the largest, most populous and most prosperous county in the state of Iowa; Volume II, Part 19

Author: Brigham, Johnson, 1846-1936; Clarke (S.J.) Publishing Company, Chicago, pub Publication date: 1911 Publisher: Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company Number of Pages: 1464

Author: Brigham, Johnson, 1846-1936; Clarke (S.J.) Publishing Company, Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 1464